I. R ˈfər, +V ˈfər.; - R ˈfə̄, + suffixal vowel ˈfər. also ˈfə̄r, + vowel in a following word ˈfər. or ˈfə̄ also ˈfə̄r noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English firre, fir, from Old English fyrh, furh; akin to Old High German forha, foraha fir, Old Norse fȳri fir forest, fura fir, Gothic fairguni mountain, Latin quercus oak
1. : any of several evergreen trees: as
a. : a tree of the genus Abies typically large and attractive in appearance and valued for its wood or resin — see balsam fir
b. : any of various related coniferous trees — usually used in combination
Douglas fir
Scotch fir
2.
a. : the wood of any tree of the genus Abies distinguished from that of pine, spruce, or larch by the absence of resin ducts
b. : the wood from any of various other conifers: as
(1) : spruce 1b
(2) Britain : pine 2a
3. or fir green : a dark grayish green that is yellower and stronger than average ivy, yellower and deeper than Persian green, and yellower, lighter, and stronger than hemlock green
II. abbreviation
firkin